Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

My friend is in jail and is being accused of robbing an elderly lady at her home. The thing is that he was walking to his grandmother's house; a couple of blocks away from the area where the robbery occured. The police simply arrested him and said he was the suspect just because the lady pointed him out as she was passing by in the police car. In the police report, the elderly lady stated that whoever robbed her was hispanic, spoke spanish, and was wearing all black. My friend is a white male, does not speak spanish, and was indeed wearing a black shirt but he had camaflouge pants; those type of pants are pretty hard to miss. Before going to his grandmother's house my friend went to a supermarket to exchange coins and his finger got stuck in the machine. Someone helped him and therefore there is proof that he was not at the place of the robbery when it occured. Survelance videos should show this shouldn't they? I believe he also took the bus. The 911 call can help as well. The elderly lady has different statements that do not match the ones she said in court when she testified. Now the lady is saying that she does not remember the color of the pants or what he looked like exactly. My friend's mom doesn't have the money to hire an attorney. Are there any attorneys that can do this case free of charge or at a reduced price?


Asked on 10/27/09, 6:29 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Joe Dane Law Office of Joe Dane

You've posted your question previously - I recall the facts you've laid out.

Your friend is entitled to an attorney to be appointed by the court at little or no cost to him if he cannot otherwise afford to hire an attorney.

He is much better off with a public defender than a private attorney that works for cheap. Unless this case has compelling factors, it's unlikely you'll find a private attorney to do this pro bono (for free). He's looking at a serious charge - one that will take a substantial amount of work to defend. You can't expect an attorney to give away his or her services.

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Answered on 11/01/09, 7:06 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

I agree with Mr. Dane -- your friend should get a public defender ASAP.

Your question suggests that there have been several court proceedings already. Has your friend been representing himself? That's an incredibly unwise thing to do. He may have severely damaged his case already, and he may do even more damage if he doesn't get a P.D. right away.

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Answered on 11/01/09, 7:51 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Free of charge attorneys are called Public Defenders. Have him apply.

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Answered on 11/02/09, 3:47 pm


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